Holland Was OK, Not Great in Debut

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 12: Derek Holland #45 of the Texas Rangers sits in the dugout in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game four of the American League Division Series at Globe Life Park in Arlington on October 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Other than Cole Hamels on Opening Day and whenever Yu Darvish makes his season debut, there might not have been a more anticipated and scrutinized season debut from a starting pitcher on the Rangers than Derek Holland's.

Holland has been called by many folks an "X-factor" for the Rangers' season by a) staying healthy for the first time in three years and b) being more consistent and showing his potential.

On Thursday, Holland made his season debut and lasted just five innings after allowing just one hit through four innings. That one hit was a homer, but Holland was good until the fifth when he walked the first two batters he faced and ended up giving up a couple of runs.

That fifth inning spoiled a good outing and made it just passable as his final line was five inning, four hits and three runs with two (big) walks and five strikeouts. It could've been much worse (see Game 4 of the ALDS) but it also could've been better.